as in trick
an odd or peculiar habit
constantly playing with her hair is one of her more annoying tics
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Recent Examples of tic
In a sketch mocking Céline Dion’s recent, inexplicable promo for Sunday Night Football, the chameleonic chanteuse absolutely nails Dion’s French Canadian accent, inflections, vocal tics, and confidence.
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Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024
Never mind caring about any of these characters, a word that should technically be in scare quotes here, though kudos to the cast for being so nimble in switching personality traits, defining tics and signature cadences on a dime.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Each character should have their own unique voice, complete with verbal tics, favorite phrases and patterns of speech.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The most sincere, uncontrollable, and difficult-to-show physical tic is the orgasm.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tic 
Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024
Never mind caring about any of these characters, a word that should technically be in scare quotes here, though kudos to the cast for being so nimble in switching personality traits, defining tics and signature cadences on a dime.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2024
Each character should have their own unique voice, complete with verbal tics, favorite phrases and patterns of speech.
—Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2024
The most sincere, uncontrollable, and difficult-to-show physical tic is the orgasm.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for tic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tic
Noun
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As for the pineapple addition to the drink, eating the fruit is another common, nonmedical trick that people suggest for getting labor started (some people also swear by it when trying to conceive).Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
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The gods prove cruel but not omnipotent, and the modern settings exert their own redemptive pull; the final effect is that of a magic trick, in which the characters manage, in each film’s miraculous closing moments, to slip the bonds of tragedy.Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The quantitative risk-takers of the River and those who take physical risks—astronauts, deep-sea explorers, NFL players—have these traits in common.Nate Silver, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024
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Once the model has learned the defining traits of your ideal wine enthusiasts, it can be applied to score the entire prospect universe, surfacing the individuals with the highest likelihood to convert.Agastya Kumar Komarraju, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Genomic sequences of viruses are shared on this platform, and using genetic detective work, trees that trace the genetic characteristics and evolution of viruses are built.Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
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Lauded by the ancient Greeks, hubris is the devastating, dangerous and of course exciting characteristic which often led to the hero’s downfall.Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Kim and actress, Yoon Se-ah, who plays his wife, excel in the mysterious expressions and robotic mannerisms that make the story all the more compelling.Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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The key to this is that the studio used the likeness of Harrison Ford, whose looks and mannerisms are intrinsic to the character.Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Keep the pattern going so your audience knows what to expect. Don't hide your quirks or try to sound like everyone else.Jodie Cook, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
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Allen used his athleticism, creativity and a statistical quirk to become the first quarterback ever credited with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game in Buffalo’s win over San Francisco.Associated Pess, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
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As in Leigh’s Naked, these pathologies don’t simply belong to a subculture; each exchange highlights the idiosyncrasy of communication that only art can reveal.Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024
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Julie De Stefano loves the idiosyncrasies of her taildragger, a 1958 American Champion 7FC named Daisy.Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2024
Noun
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And, as the world grows heavier, delight can be found in the eccentricities and achievements of our fellow humans.Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024
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Come for the meta eccentricity, stay for a revelatory, movie-stealing performance from Adam Pearson. Where to watch: Video on demand What was 2024's best movie?Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Your international initiatives could be based on a general brand image, but local campaigns should focus on recognizing the regional requirements, cultural nuances and consumer habits.Waleed Najam, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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But there’s also a realization that this era of consolidation in the entertainment industry isn’t over yet, as studios struggle to find ways to generate profits at a time when streaming and changing consumer habits have shrunk margins.Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near tic
Cite this Entry
“Tic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tic. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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